What skill is most emphasized during DECA role-plays?

Verbal communication is the most emphasized skill during DECA role-plays because these activities typically involve situations where participants must interact with judges or evaluators in a conversational format. Effective verbal communication is crucial for clearly articulating ideas, presenting solutions to business problems, and demonstrating professional demeanor.

In these role-plays, competitors often have to quickly assess a situation and respond articulately, showcasing their ability to think on their feet and convey their thoughts persuasively. The judges are looking for clarity, engagement, and the ability to adapt communication style to the audience, all of which fall under verbal communication skills.

While written communication, data analysis, and research competency are also important in business contexts and may play a role in other parts of DECA competitions, the dynamic nature of role-play scenarios places a distinct emphasis on how well participants can communicate verbally in real-time discussions.